As the weather changes and indoor soccer season begins, get prepared with the best gear and training to slay the competition. Indoor soccer is fast, exciting, and completely different than outdoor. Also known as fast football, players of indoor soccer are able to play off the walls, and actually play in much closer proximity as the fields are typically the size of a basketball court, (and in some cases, they are!)
It goes without saying that players will not wear cleats inside. Although they can wear regular tennis shoes, there are specially designed indoor soccer shoes made by all the brands players love. Nike indoor soccer shoes are among the favorites.
The Popularity of Indoor Soccer
Indoor soccer is very popular in the United States and Canada on both a professional and amateur level. Because outdoor soccer has a short season in Canada and much of the U.S. this gives players the chance to enjoy their sport for longer. In Mexico, indoor soccer is called "futbol rapido" and the fields are actually built outdoors. Indoor soccer is also popular in Europe, and there's actually a European Minifootball Federation. Nike soccer shoes are available to all these countries, and are amongst the top sellers.
For kids, indoor is a great option during winter months as it keeps them active when they can't stay outside in the cold for long. It's an easy sport to implement into a recreation program, as it can use the basketball courts at a local gym or school. Several brands of shoes are offered in children's sizes, including Nike indoor soccer shoes which are hailed as the most popular.
Learn the Rules
Though rules vary, they are mostly the same and most will benefit from a quick overview if they've never played indoor soccer before.
The field is basketball court or turf and surrounded by Plexiglas or some sort of tall barrier for safety. They are definitely smaller than outdoor soccer fields, and the goals are smaller as well. There are great selections of Nike indoor soccer shoes that accommodate playing on this type of surface. The game run is four quarters of 15 minutes each, with an extra 15 for a tied game.
As far as the team, there are typically six players on the court which includes the goalie, meaning there are two or three forwards and one or two defensive players. Of course there are substitutes, especially with small children who get winded fast.
Playing off of walls allows the ball to contact one or more walls without penalty. If the ball flies over the walls or hits the ceiling, play is stopped and the opposing team gets a free kick from the location the ball hit or went out.
What Gear is Necessary?
In addition to Nike indoor soccer shoes or another similar brand, players will need shin guards and in some cases, mouth guards. This is because playing in close quarters and off walls can be a bit more dangerous, especially for young children.
Players can find everything they need from sports stores both online and brick and mortar type. Online, one may find that the gear they need is much less expensive. Some well-known online stores offer Nike indoor soccer shoes for half the price than they are when found in retail stores.
Regardless if one has ever played indoor soccer or not, they can quickly pick up the game and will find it's quite the enjoyable sport. It's nice that it can be played at any time of year, worldwide and the rules are fairly easy to follow for both children and adults. As a spectator sport, it has almost all the same thrills as hockey for soccer enthusiasts.
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